In recently published Government league tables, highlighting student performance across the tertiary sector, local Tauranga provider Bethlehem Tertiary Institute has proven that it can punch above its weight by out-performing all 18 institutes of technology /polytechnics and holding its own against the university sector.

Locally, BTI topped both the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and the University of Waikato in two of the four categories measured; course completions (89%) and qualification completions (87%), and matched the course completion outcome of the best performing university, Otago.BTI’s dean, Dr Andrew Smith, attributes the successful results to dedicated staff and the institute’s commitment to quality education, “These results affirm our quality teaching, which is informed by recognised research and supported by a staff dedicated to student success. Over the past few years, BTI has seen an increasing number of students studying some or all of their papers at a distance, as they balance work and home commitments with study, and so we are particularly encouraged by our student retention results when compared to other providers of distance learning.” The Tertiary Education Commission releases these figures each year to help students make informed decisions when choosing a tertiary provider. Tertiary Education Minister, Steven Joyce, said the data showed that New Zealand tertiary institutes were performing well, with qualification completion rates improving across all sectors.BTI offers qualifications in early childhood education, primary and secondary teaching, and counselling andsocial work. A Master of Professional Practice qualification is currently under development for delivery in 2014, subject to NZQA approval.